INDOT: 4 of 5 people hurt in work zone crashes aren’t workers

FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Last year, over 1,700 people were injured in work zone vehicle crashes in Indiana with 33 being fatal.

That’s according to the Indiana Department of Transportation which is sharing safety reminders for drivers as road construction season begins.

This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and INDOT wants Hoosiers to avoid distracted driving and keep workers’ safety top of mind when entering a work zone.

Blake Dollier is the public relations director for INDOT West Central. He says its not just the workers they want to protect, but drivers as well.

“Four out of five people that are injured or killed in a work zone are actually the driver or the passenger as opposed to somebody that’s out there on the road,” Dollier said. “So this is something to remember that this isn’t just for your safety its for the workers’ safety and vice versa.”

Distracted driving is one of the main dangers INDOT sees. Highway Maintenance Technician Matt Schalburg says he has seen a lot of close calls.

“They’re just not paying attention,” Schalburg said. “They’re on a phone call. They’re talking, they’re carrying on, they’re looking behind them in the backseat to somebody, what have you. There’s all different kind of ways to be distracted.”

Dollier added that even though this is Work Zone Awareness Week, many crashes actually happen in the summer and the fall. He advises drivers to be alert, aware, and cautious year round.

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